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Mauricio Pochettino refused to blame Wembley after Tottenham's Champions League loss to Monaco

LONDON, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 14: Mauricio Pochettino, Manager of Tottenham Hotspur and Leonardo Jardim head coach of AS Monaco look on during the UEFA Champ
Image: Mauricio Pochettino refused to blame Wembley for Tottenham's Champions League defeat

Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino refused to blame playing at Wembley for his side's 2-1 defeat to Monaco in the Champions League.

With the capacity at White Hart Lane reduced due to redevelopment, Spurs have opted to play their European matches at Wembley this season.

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And a record attendance for an English club watched at the national stadium as the Ligue 1 leaders moved to the top of Group E, but Pochettino refused to blame the move to Wembley, stating a lack of passion from his side as a reason for the defeat.

When asked whether the result would have been different at White Hart Lane, the Argentinean said: "That's an excuse. Football is on the pitch, on the grass.

A general view of the arch over Wembley Stadium prior to the Champions League match between Spurs and Monaco
Image: A record crowd saw Spurs lose to Monaco at Wembley

"We need to improve and learn that we cannot concede the goals that we conceded. We need to be aggressive in possession.

"We showed a lack of passion today," he added. "We cannot concede the goal we conceded. That is the truth.

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"That is the way we spoke in the changing room. We all agree. It's a shame because today was a good opportunity to give to our fans a good performance and a victory. It's a shame."

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Tottenham returned to the Champions League for the first time in five seasons but they found themselves 2-0 down after goals from Bernardo Silva and Thomas Lemar.

Spurs suffer on Wembley bow
Spurs suffer on Wembley bow

Tottenham's return to the Champions League ended in disappointment with a 2-1 defeat to Monaco

Toby Alderweireld pulled a goal back for the hosts right on the stroke of half-time, but Spurs could not find an equaliser despite dominating the second half.

"I think we were better than Monaco, but we need to show more, and more, and more," Pochettino said.

"We need to create more and be more aggressive. We gave the possibility for Monaco to play deep and go on the counter-attack. They played in a comfortable situation.

Tottenham Hotspur's English midfielder Dele Alli (C) shoots past Monaco's Brazilian defender Fabinho (L) during the UEFA Champions League group E football
Image: Dele Alli shoots past Monaco's Brazilian defender Fabinho

"When I talk about passion, it's to feel more. I think it was a fantastic opportunity. We wait a lot to play Champions League.

"We fought a lot last season to be here, and then you feel: 'Why didn't we do more?'"

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